Now we can give thanks
for an even greater selection of holiday beer! New trends have
made the beer aisle more interesting, not to mention all the microbreweries
that set the perfect scene for a party!

Visiting Milwaukee this year I realized
just how much the business of beer has evolved. The frothy beverage is deeply
rooted in American history, dating to Native Americans, European settlers
bringing their recipes with them. And Milwaukee for much of its history has
been the nation’s beer capital, home to Schlitz, Miller and Blatz. Pabst in the 1840s started in Milwaukee as Empire Brewing,
produced cheese during Prohibition.

Democratization of American
brewing began in the 1970s with a few crafters starting their own small
breweries―the rejuvenation of beer had begun. The Brewers Association trade
group, in fact, reports that 5,562 American craft breweries now operate. That’s
a growth from last year of 906 breweries, with another 2,700-plus in planning.
Southwest Florida has dozens of established craft breweries, as much a magnet
for tourism as wine is in California.

So there’s cause for beer-lovers to
celebrate this holiday season!

5
reasons this non-beer drinking millennial enjoys a good craft beer

It
Tastes Better

Craft-brewers
put their hearts and amazing ingredients into every beer, with a big focus on
quality over marketing.

It
Contains More Alcohol

As a whiskey drinker, I
appreciate when my alcoholic drinks actually contain alcohol. Most craft beers range from 5-10
percent abv, or alcohol by volume, but some craft beers can reach 20 percent or
higher. Mass-produced beers average 2.5 percent abv, not much bang for the buck.

So
Many Choices

With all the American microbreweries,
there
are thousands upon thousands of flavorful (and seasonal) craft beers to try.

You
Meet The People Making The Beer

I love hearing the story
behind things. So, one of the most unique benefits of
drinking craft beer is that you can visit a local craft brewery and actually
meet those making the beer, even get a tour of the brewing process.

A Beer For Every Season or Celebration

With
craft beer you can drink something different at every party, night out, meal,
celebration or season of the year. As a lover of travel, it is fun trying
different craft beers from different breweries in different regions.

Craft-brewers are prime
examples of true small-business owners. So, meet a few of them during the
holidays and have a great time
enjoying the craft-beer movement!

Mandy Carter is a local mom with a passion for family travel,
a popular travel blogger including her own family blog at Acupful.com and the
Digital Content & Engagement Editor for TOTI Media.